From Ballot to Balcony: The Moments Before “Habemus Papam”

The world holds its breath as white smoke billows from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling the election of a new Pope. But what transpires in the sacred space before that iconic moment? What rituals and procedures lead to the announcement of Habemus Papam from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica?

The Acceptance and the Name

Following the guidelines established in the Ordo Rituum Conclavis and Universi Dominici Gregis, the papal election concludes when a cardinal secures the required majority vote within the Sistine Chapel. The cardinal with the highest rank (or the next in line if the elected is that cardinal) then formally asks the chosen one, in Latin, if he accepts the election as Pope, according to Church law. Upon acceptance, the cardinal inquires about the name the new Pope wishes to take.

This pivotal moment is documented by the Pope’s liturgical chief, who drafts a formal statement confirming the acceptance and recording the chosen papal name, witnessed by two liturgical officials.

declaring the Election’s End

According to the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, the papal election is officially declared over onc the acceptance is given, unless the new Pope decides otherwise. following this declaration,key figures such as the Deputy Secretary of State of the Holy See and the Secretary-General for Relations with states are permitted to enter the Sistine Chapel to meet with the newly elected pontiff.

White Smoke, Tears, and New Robes

With the acceptance formalized, all ballots and related documents are burned. The resulting white smoke serves as the long-awaited signal to the world that a new Pope has been chosen.Jubilation erupts in St. Peter’s Square as the faithful celebrate and anticipate the announcement of the new leader of the Catholic Church.

The newly elected Pope then proceeds to a room adjacent to the Sistine Chapel, often referred to as the Crying Room. hear, assisted by the papal master of ceremonies, he exchanges his cardinal’s robes for one of three pre-prepared white papal robes. This moment is often followed by a period of silent prayer.

Homage and the “Te Deum”

Upon returning to the Sistine Chapel, now adorned in papal attire, the new Pope takes his seat on the apostle’s chair.The highest-ranking cardinal-bishop leads a brief ceremony, followed by the reading of a Gospel passage by the cardinal deacon. These passages often include verses such as You are Peter (the rock), and on this rock I will build my church (Matthew 16:18) or Feed my sheep (John 21:17), emphasizing the Pope’s role as the successor of St. Peter.

The cardinal-priest then offers a prayer for the newly elected Pope. Later, all cardinals, in order of precedence (bishop, priest, deacon), offer their respect and obedience to the new pontiff. The ceremony culminates with all those present singing the Te Deum, a hymn of praise to god, led by the new Pope.

First Blessing: “Urbi et Orbi”

The cardinal deacon steps onto the balcony of St. peter’s Basilica and proclaims in Latin: Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus papam! (I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!). Before appearing on the balcony, the new Pope pauses in the Chapel of paul to offer a silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

he emerges onto the balcony to greet the assembled crowd and deliver his first apostolic blessing,Urbi et Orbi (to the City [of Rome] and to the World),marking the beginning of his papacy.